How To Get Better Gas Mileage

With gas prices fluctuating daily, drivers need to get the most out of every tank. And with simple fuel-saving tips, tricks and maintenance checks, you can learn to stretch your fill-up to the fullest.

Ditch The Clunker

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, fuel efficiency has improved as new, more efficient vehicles were designed over the past 10 years. Choosing a newer, more fuel-efficient vehicle can save you thousands in the long run, both in dollars and minutes spent at the pump.

Save With Safety

Making small safety changes to your daily driving habits adds up in your tank, your wallet and your well-being. Fast acceleration and hard braking lower gas mileage by up to 33% on the highway and 5% in a city, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Keep a lid on aggressive driving and travel with zen-fueled efficiency.

Drop The Excess Weight

Rooftop cargo containers are a great help on family trips. But these space-savers create wind resistance, which makes your car work harder and burn up to 17% more fuel on the highway. Excess weight in the trunk also sucks up fuel unnecessarily at a rate of 1% for every 100 pounds. Leave empty or unused cargo containers at home and clear out clutter for a smoother ride and steeper savings.

Minimize Winter Driving

Did you know your car is less fuel-efficient in cold weather? Warming a car takes a lot of gas and can drain your tank before you even hit the road. Most manufacturers recommend warming your car for just 30 seconds and driving off slowly rather than long, idling warm-ups. Try parking your car in the garage to keep the engine warmer and combine trips and errands in the colder months.

Ditch the clunker?
This means buy a newer model and usually finance the vehicle. All finance companies require Full Insurance coverage with them as co-payee.

This means more money out of the customers pocket, and far more beneficial for your insurance carrier.
I think one can save money and fuel by not ditching the clunker but rather, keep a minimum of insurance coverage, minimize weight in the vehicle, keep it tuned and well lubed and oil changed regularly. Save tons of money on the monstrous car payments on a reducing value collateral and also on humungous insurance premiums.

Hi Mr. McAndrews,
We would love to give you quotes on auto and homeowners insurance and see if we can help you save some money. Please give us a call at 1-800-947-AUTO (2886) or go online to geico.com to get your fast, free rate quotes.
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I am not an aggressive driver, but I like to be allowed to drive at speeds that feel proper for the highway and keep up with the traffic flow, but I still have an opinion that one way to save fuel is to limit your speed to 55 mph even if the legal limit is higher and set your cruise control to around 55. I know the speed limit was put to 70 mph or more in 41 states, but do you know if today’s cars would save gas by staying with 55 or 60 mph?

I remember the speed limit being 55 nationwide from 1974 to 1987 primarily to save gas.

I have a hybrid Toyota Camery. I got 33 to 36. I switched to Mobil 15/1 oil, also good for 15000 miles. Guess what. I got 41 to 46 average mileage. And the other day I got 49 with a trip to NY. I do have GEICO Ins also. On both cars and my Can Am. So far they have been the best.